U.S. patent application number 16/442557 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-02 for image forming apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium storing image forming program, and mobile terminal device.
This patent application is currently assigned to FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Munenori TOMIDA.
Application Number | 20200004469 16/442557 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69055188 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-02 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200004469 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TOMIDA; Munenori |
January 2, 2020 |
IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM
STORING IMAGE FORMING PROGRAM, AND MOBILE TERMINAL DEVICE
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes an information obtaining
unit that obtains storage destination information of print data
managed by a mobile terminal device from the mobile terminal
device, a data obtaining unit that obtains the print data from a
storage destination of the print data by using the storage
destination information, and a printing unit that prints the
obtained print data.
Inventors: |
TOMIDA; Munenori; (Kanagawa,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FUJI XEROX CO., LTD. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
69055188 |
Appl. No.: |
16/442557 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/1231 20130101;
G06F 3/1292 20130101; G06F 3/1265 20130101; G06F 3/1287 20130101;
G06F 3/1288 20130101; G06F 3/1261 20130101; G06F 3/1204 20130101;
G06F 3/1267 20130101; G06F 3/1222 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 27, 2018 |
JP |
2018-122184 |
Claims
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an information obtaining
unit that obtains storage destination information of print data
managed by a mobile terminal device from the mobile terminal
device; a data obtaining unit that obtains the print data from a
storage destination of the print data by using the storage
destination information; and a printing unit that prints the
obtained print data.
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
print data includes data stored in a storage destination connected
to a network accessible by the mobile terminal device, and the data
obtaining unit is connected to the network and obtains the print
data from the storage destination in a case where the print data is
stored in the storage destination.
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
print data is data for which access is restricted, the information
obtaining unit obtains authentication information necessary for
accessing to the print data, and the data obtaining unit obtains
the print data from the storage destination by using the
authentication information.
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further
comprising: a unit that obtains the print data from the mobile
terminal device in a case where the data obtaining unit is not able
to obtain the print data from the storage destination.
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
data obtaining unit is connected to the network by using a
communication method different from a communication method used in
the obtainment of the storage destination information using the
information obtaining unit, and obtains the print data.
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
print data includes data stored in the mobile terminal device, and
the data obtaining unit is connected to the mobile terminal device
by using a communication method different from a communication
method used in a case where the storage destination is connected to
the network, and obtains the print data from the mobile terminal
device, in a case where the print data is stored in the mobile
terminal device.
7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
information obtaining unit obtains print setting information with
which a print mode of the print data is set, and the printing unit
prints the print data according to the print setting
information.
8. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing an image
forming program that causes an image forming apparatus to function
as: an information obtaining unit that obtains storage destination
information of print data managed by a mobile terminal device from
the mobile terminal device; a data obtaining unit that obtains the
print data from a storage destination of the print data by using
the storage destination information; and a printing unit that
prints the obtained print data.
9. A mobile terminal device comprising: a selection unit that
receives a user operation, and selects print data to be printed;
and a transmission unit that transmits storage destination
information of the selected print data to an image forming
apparatus.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on and claims priority under 35
USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-122184 filed Jun.
27, 2018.
BACKGROUND
(i) Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus,
a non-transitory computer readable medium storing an image forming
program, and a mobile terminal device.
(ii) Related Art
[0003] JP2015-106344A discloses a technology in which image data
read by an image reading apparatus is transmitted to a smartphone.
In this technology, a reading start instruction and a transmission
destination information with which the read image data is
transmitted to the smartphone are transmitted to the image reading
apparatus from the smartphone. The image reading apparatus reads an
image, and transmits the read image data to the smartphone based on
the transmission destination information. The smartphone and the
image reading apparatus communicate with each other through
wireless LAN.
[0004] JP2016-103862A describes an image forming apparatus capable
of performing short-distance wireless communication with a
smartphone, such as NFC. In a case where the smartphone is
recognized through the NFC, the image forming apparatus displays a
setting screen such as a printing job on the smartphone through the
NFC. A user performs a job setting by operating the smartphone, and
transmits the job setting to the image forming apparatus through
the NFC. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus performs
processing according to the transmitted job setting.
[0005] JP2006-252321A describes an image forming apparatus
connected to the Internet. Image data desired to be printed or
print setting information is registered in another apparatus in
advance, and a registration ID is input on an operation screen of
the image forming apparatus. The image data or the print setting
information corresponding to the registration ID is downloaded, and
thus, printing is performed.
SUMMARY
[0006] A mobile terminal device such as a smartphone stores data
such as image data or document data within the mobile terminal
device. However, only outline information of the data may be stored
within the mobile terminal device, and data entity may be stored in
a server connected to a network. In a case where print data is
selected from such data items in the mobile terminal device and the
printing is performed in the image forming apparatus, since an
access mode to the print data is changed depending on a difference
storage destination, a situation in which an operation for
transmitting the print data to the image forming apparatus is
complicated is considered.
[0007] Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present
disclosure relate to an image forming apparatus, a non-transitory
computer readable medium storing an image forming program, and a
mobile terminal device which resolve or reduce a situation in which
an image forming apparatus is difficult to or is not able to obtain
and print print data depending on a difference between storage
destinations of print data in a case where print data selected in a
mobile terminal device is printed in an image forming
apparatus.
[0008] Aspects of certain non-limiting embodiments of the present
disclosure overcome the above disadvantages and/or other
disadvantages not described above. However, aspects of the
non-limiting embodiments are not required to overcome the
disadvantages described above, and aspects of the non-limiting
embodiments of the present disclosure may not overcome any of the
disadvantages described above.
[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is
provided an image forming apparatus including an information
obtaining unit that obtains storage destination information of
print data managed by a mobile terminal device from the mobile
terminal device, a data obtaining unit that obtains the print data
from a storage destination of the print data by using the storage
destination information, and a printing unit that prints the
obtained print data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention will be
described in detail based on the following figures, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a
printing system according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a print data selecting
procedure of a smartphone;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of print
information;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a transmission procedure of
the print information of the smartphone;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a print data obtaining
procedure of a multi-function printer; and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a flow from when print
data is selected to when the print data is printed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
1. Description of System Configuration
[0017] Hereinafter, a system according to an exemplary embodiment
on the assumption that a printing service provided by a convenience
store is used by a user who visits the convenience store will be
described. In the convenience store, a multi-function printer is
installed and a service such as printing is provided to a large
number of unspecified users who visit the convenience store for a
fee in some cases.
[0018] A printing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a
multi-function printer 20, a smartphone 40, the Internet 60, and a
cloud storage 70. The multi-function printer 20 is an example of an
image forming apparatus, and is installed in the convenience store.
The smartphone 40 is an example of a mobile terminal device, and is
owned by the user. The Internet 60 and the cloud storage 70
connected to the Internet are respectively examples of a network
and a storage destination connected to the network. Each of these
configurations has various functions, and FIG. 1 shows an outline
of a functional configuration deeply related to the exemplary
embodiment.
[0019] The multi-function printer 20 is a complex machine having a
print function, a scan function, a copy function, an electronic
mail function, and a Fax function. The multi-function printer 20 is
configured by controlling hardware including a printing apparatus,
a communication device, and various sensors by using computer
hardware and software (programs). The multi-function printer 20
includes a QR code reader 22, a Wi-Fi managing section 24, an
information managing section 26, a data receiving section 28, a
printing section 30, and a communication cable 36.
[0020] The QR code reader 22 is an example of an information
obtaining unit. The QR code reader optically reads and analyzes a
QR code (registered trademark), and decodes print information
including obtainment information and print setting information of
print data encoded as the QR code. The QR code is a two-dimensional
code (two-dimensional image) standardized such that data with a
maximum of about several kilobytes is able to be rendered to image
information. The QR code is not able to contain the print data due
to a small recordable capacity, but is able to transfer data with a
small quantity such as the print information. In a case where a
user wants to print with the multi-function printer 20, the user
displays a QR code representing print information including the
obtainment destination information and print setting information on
a screen of the smartphone 40, and presents the displayed QR code
to the QR code reader 22.
[0021] The Wi-Fi managing section 24 activates or deactivates Wi-Fi
which is one kind of wireless communication standards. The
multi-function printer 20 includes a Wi-Fi antenna therein or in
the periphery. The Wi-Fi managing section 24 activates Wi-Fi, and
thus, an access point which is a Wi-Fi connection is installed. In
a case where it is necessary to perform Wi-Fi communication with
the smartphone 40, the Wi-Fi managing section 24 is connected to
the smartphone by activating the Wi-Fi and installing an access
point specified by a service set identifier (SSID). In a case where
it is not necessary to perform the communication, the Wi-Fi
managing section deactivates the Wi-Fi . There is a plurality of
Wi-Fi standards, but any of these standards is designed such that
data with a large quantity such as document data and image data as
printing target is smoothly transmitted and received.
[0022] The information managing section 26 manages the print
information including the obtainment destination information and
the print setting information obtained from the QR code. In order
to obtain the print data corresponding to the obtainment
destination information, the information managing section manages
the connection with the Internet 60 and the cloud storage 70
through the communication cable 36 or the communication with the
smartphone 40 through Wi-Fi 38.
[0023] The data receiving section 28 is an example of a data
obtaining unit, and obtains the print data under of the information
managing section 26. In a case where the print data is stored in
the cloud storage 70, the data receiving section 28 obtains the
print data from the cloud storage 70 through the communication
cable 36. In a case where the print data is stored in the
smartphone 40, the data receiving section 28 obtains the print data
from the smartphone 40 through the Wi-Fi 38. For example, print
data described in predetermined language and image format, such as
the Portable Document Format (PDF) is received as the print
data.
[0024] The printing section 30 is an example of a printing unit,
and prints an image corresponding to the print data on a sheet. In
printing, a setting for the number of sheets to be printed, a
setting for a sheet size, a setting for single-sided printing or
double-sided printing, and a setting for monochrome printing or
color printing are performed according to the print setting
information managed by the information managing section 26.
[0025] The communication cable 36 is a communication path
established by using an optical fiber. The communication cable 36
may be directly connected to the Internet 60. Alternatively, the
communication cable 36 may be connected to an intranet established
by an installer of the multi-function printer 20. In this case, the
multi-function printer 20 may be connected to the Internet 60
through a proxy server that connects the intranet and the Internet
60 with each other.
[0026] The smartphone 40 is able to perform various information
processing or communication processing by controlling hardware
having an arithmetic function and a communication function by using
installed operating system and applications. The smartphone is
provided with a touch panel display, and has a function of
displaying a still image or a moving image and receiving a user
operation corresponding to the display. For example, user
operations according to the exemplary embodiment or various
information processing and communication processing corresponding
to the user operations are realized by creating and installing a
print application having various functions as mentioned above or by
using a web browser having such functions as a user interface.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the smartphone 40 includes a data
managing section 42, a print information generating section 44, a
QR code output section 46, a Wi-Fi managing section 48, and a data
transmitting section 50.
[0028] The data managing section 42 manages the storage destination
of the data in the smartphone 40. Data entity may be stored in a
storage device (local storage destination) (not shown) included in
the smartphone 40 or may be stored in the cloud storage 70 (the
storage destination connected to the Internet 60). The data
managing section 42 appropriately manages the data by transmitting
the data to the cloud storage 70 or downloading the data from the
cloud storage 70. The management of the data is performed by
associating data information (size, file type, creation date and
time, and thumbnail image) including whether or not there is data
(which is able to be generally described in a Uniform Resource
Locator (URL) using a https scheme or a file scheme, but is able to
be described in another format) with the data entity. Thus, the
user generally uses the data without being conscious of whether the
data entity is present in the smartphone 40 or the cloud storage
70.
[0029] The print information generating section 44 generates print
information related to printing. The print information generating
section 44 includes a print data selecting section 44a and a print
setting section 44b. The print data selecting section 44a is an
example of a selection unit, and sets data, as the print data,
which is selected by the user who is operating the touch panel. The
print setting section 44b performs a print setting indicating a
method of printing the print data. For example, the print setting
section 44b performs a setting for the number of sheets to be
printed, a setting for a sheet size, a setting for an orientation
of a sheet, a setting for single-sided printing or double-sided
printing, a setting for monochrome printing or color printing, and
a setting for the number of pages to be printed on one sheet. The
print setting section 44b receives the contents of the print
setting selected by the user who is operating the touch panel (or
default setting values), and performs the print setting.
[0030] The print information generating section 44 generates the
print information based on the settings for the print data using
the print data selecting section 44a and the print setting using
the print setting section 44b. The print information includes the
obtainment information and the print setting information of the
print data. The obtainment information is information necessary to
obtain the print data from the storage destination. The obtainment
information includes authentication information necessary in a case
where the access to the print data is restricted in addition to
storage destination information specified by a URL. The print
setting information is information that describes the contents of
the aforementioned print setting, and is used for controlling the
printing in the printing section 30 of the multi-function printer
20.
[0031] The QR code output section 46 is an example of a
transmission unit. The QR code output section converts the print
information into the QR code, and displays the QR code on the touch
panel display. For example, the user displays the QR code by
pressing a predetermined button on the print application. The print
information is transmitted to the multi-function printer 20 by
reading the QR code into the QR code reader 22 of the
multi-function printer 20.
[0032] The Wi-Fi managing section 48 controls the connection or
disconnection with or from a connection destination connected to
the Wi-Fi. Specifically, the Wi-Fi managing section identifies the
SSID of the access point by detecting radio waves output from the
access point. The Wi-Fi managing section switches the connection
destination connected to the Wi-Fi so as to be connected to the
searched connection destination in addition to searching for the
SSID as a connecting candidate. For example, in a case where the QR
code of the print information is read into the QR code reader 22 of
the multi-function printer 20, since the Wi-Fi managing section 24
activates the Wi-Fi, the multi-function printer 20 detects the
SSID, and is able to be connected to the connection destination. In
a case where the data entity is stored in the cloud storage 70 or
the data entity stored in the cloud storage 70 is downloaded, the
Wi-Fi managing section detects an SSID for accessing to the
Internet 60 different from the SSID of the multi-function printer
20, and is connected to the Internet 60.
[0033] In a case where the entity of the print data is stored in
the smartphone 40, the data transmitting section 50 transmits the
print data to the multi-function printer 20. The transmission of
the print data to the multi-function printer 20 is performed
through the Wi-Fi 38.
[0034] The Internet 60 is a globally established network, and is
able to be accessed by the smartphone 40. The cloud storage 70 is a
file server connected to the Internet 60. The cloud storage 70 may
be installed by a communication carrier or a manufacturer of the
smartphone 40 or may be installed by a third party. The cloud
storage 70 may be established by one device or may be established
by cooperating a plurality of devices connected to the Internet
60.
[0035] The cloud storage 70 includes an access managing section 72,
a data inquiry section 74, and a data transmitting section 76. The
access managing section 72 manages the access to the cloud storage
70 or the Internet 60. Specifically, an authentication process in a
case where the access is performed from the multi-function printer
20 is performed. In a case where an inquiry about the print data is
received from the multi-function printer 20, the data inquiry
section 74 responds as to whether or not there is the print data.
The data transmitting section 76 transmits the print data to the
multi-function printer 20.
2. Description of Operation
[0036] An operation of the printing system 10 will be described
with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a
procedure in a case where the user activates the print application
on the smartphone 40 and performs the setting for the printing. In
a case where the user wants to print a photo captured by the
smartphone 40 or a document managed by the smartphone 40, the user
activates the print application (S10). Information for prompting
the user to select printing target data is displayed on the print
application, and the user selects data desired to be printed among
various data items managed by the smartphone 40 (S12). For example,
the data is selected in such a manner that the user opens a folder
of photos or documents and touches desired data. The data entity
may be stored in the smartphone 40 or may be stored in the cloud
storage 70. In the present exemplary embodiment, the user may
select the print data without being particularly conscious of the
storage destination. The process related to the selection of the
print data is performed by the print data selecting section
44a.
[0037] Subsequently, the user inputs the print setting for the
print data (S14). In performing the settings, the default values
may be used or may be changed to desired values from the default
values. The process related to the print setting is performed by
the print setting section 44b.
[0038] The user may immediately perform an operation for
instructing the printing in this state. However, in a case where
the user performs the print setting at home or outdoors and the
multi-function printer 20 is not present in the vicinity, the user
stores the input contents (S16), and closes the print applications
(S18). In the print application, the print information generating
section 44 stores the input contents as the print information. The
print application may further have a function of receiving and
storing a print setting of another print data. The user selects the
print data and performs the print setting before the printing, and
thus, there is an advantage that an operation performed before the
multi-function printer 20 is simple.
[0039] Now, the stored print information will be described with
reference to FIG. 3. The obtainment information includes a storage
destination URL, a communication path, public key information, and
proxy information. The storage destination URL is an example of the
storage destination information of the print data, and indicates a
storage destination in which the print data is stored. For example,
a storage destination URL of print information of which a file No
is 1 as shown in FIG. 3 describes
"file:///storage/emulated/0/Pictures/00001.jpg" by using a URL file
scheme. In this example, the file scheme indicates that the print
data is stored in the smartphone 40, and describes that print data
in a JPG image format of "00001.jpg" is present in a directory
(folder) indicated by an absolute path of
"/storage/emulated/0/Pictures". A storage destination URL of print
information of which a file No is 2 describes
"http://docs.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1234567890abcdefghijklmnopqrb"
by using a https scheme. In this example, the https scheme
indicates that the communication protocol is encrypted using
SSL/TLS and communication using HTTP is performed, and
"docs.google.com/uc" indicates a host name and a path name.
Arguments given variables of "export" and "id" are described after
"?".
[0040] In a case where the multi-function printer 20 obtains the
print data, the communication path indicates a communication path
to be used. In a case where the file No is 1, since the print data
is stored in the smartphone 40, the communication path indicates
that Wi-Fi communication established between the smartphone 40 and
the multi-function printer. In the example in which the file No is
2, the communication path indicates that the print data is to be
obtained from the Internet.
[0041] The public key information is information of a public key
necessary in a case where the print data is obtained. The proxy
information indicates information of a proxy necessary in a case
where the print data is obtained. In a case where these information
items are unnecessary, a value of null is set.
[0042] The print setting information is information indicating a
printing mode in a case where the print data is printed in the
multi-function printer 20. For example, in the example in which the
file No is 1, "full color" is set for "color", a size of "A4" is
set for "sheet", "None" (one page is printed on one sheet) is set
for "Nup", and "None" (single-sided printing) is set for
"double-sided printing".
[0043] The print information illustrated in FIG. 3 is used to be
presented to the multi-function printer 20, and is also used in the
processes of the smartphone 40. Thus, the print information may
include information which is not used in the multi-function printer
20. The print information may further include information to be
presented to the user, such as print fee.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for describing a procedure of
transmitting the print data to the multi-function printer 20 from
the smartphone 40. In this example, it is assumed that the user
visits the convenience store after some time elapses from when the
procedure shown in FIG. 2 is performed and performs the
printing.
[0045] The user initially activates the print application by
operating the smartphone 40 (S20), and calls the input contents
stored for print data desired to be printed (S22). In this case,
the print application displays the previous input contents on the
screen based on the print information shown in FIG. 3. The user
displays the QR code obtained by encoding the print information by
pressing a button according to a guidance of the print application
(S24). The QR code is displayed by the QR code output section 46.
The multi-function printer 20 installed in the convenience store
displays a guidance to the user such that the user places the QR
code over the QR code reader 22. The user presents the QR code to
the QR code reader 22 according to the guidance (S26).
[0046] Thereafter, the print application of the smartphone 40
detects the access point (the SSID of the Wi-Fi 38) due to the
activation of the Wi-Fi 38 of the multi-function printer 20 (S28).
In a case where the access point of the multi-function printer 20
is detected, the print application automatically accesses to the
access point, and performs the connection of the Wi-Fi 38 (S30).
The detection and connection of the access point of the Wi-Fi 38
are performed under the control of the Wi-Fi managing section
48.
[0047] After the connection of the Wi-Fi 38, the smartphone 40
waits for a transmission request of the print data is transmitted
(S32). In a case where there is the transmission request, the
smartphone automatically transmits the print data to the
multi-function printer 20 through the Wi-Fi 38 (S34). The
transmission of the data is performed by the data transmitting
section 50. Thereafter, the print application is closed
automatically or by an operation of the user at an appropriate
timing (S36).
[0048] As stated above, the connection of the Wi-Fi 38 and the
transmission of the print data are automatically performed, and
thus, the user may transmit the print data without performing a
cumbersome operation. However, a button for prompting the user to
permit the connection of the Wi-Fi or the transmission of the print
data is displayed before the connection of the Wi-Fi 38 or the
transmission of the print data, and thus, the connection of the
Wi-Fi or the transmission of the print data may be performed in a
case where the user presses the button. In this case, the user may
smoothly transmit the print data by operating the print application
according to the displayed information.
[0049] It has been described in the exemplary embodiment shown in
FIG. 4 that the connection of the Wi-Fi 38 is performed in a case
where the access point of the Wi-Fi 38 is detected in steps S28 and
S30. However, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the
transmission of the print data is not necessary in a case where the
print data is stored in the cloud storage 70. Accordingly, the
connection of the Wi-Fi 38 may be performed only in a case where
the print data is stored in the smartphone 40.
[0050] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processes performed by the
multi-function printer 20 in the procedure shown in FIG. 4. In a
case where the user presents the QR code of the smartphone 40 to
the QR code reader 22, the multi-function printer 20 optically
reads the QR code, decodes the code, and obtains the print
information (S40). The multi-function printer determines the
validity of the read print information (S42), and ends the process
in a case where the read print information is invalid. For example,
the read print information being invalid means that information
completely different from the processing contents in the
multi-function printer 20 is input or information having no input
contents is input. Meanwhile, the processing is continued in a case
where the print information is valid, and the Wi-Fi managing
section 24 activates the Wi-Fi 38 (S44). Accordingly, the
smartphone 40 detects the access point for accessing to the
multi-function printer 20, and performs the connection with the
Wi-Fi 38.
[0051] In the multi-function printer 20, the information managing
section 26 checks whether or not the storage destination of the
print data is the smartphone 40 while referring to the storage
destination URL of the obtainment information of the print
information (S46). In a case where the storage destination is the
smartphone 40, the multi-function printer obtains the print data
based on the obtainment information (S48). Specifically, the
multi-function printer requests the smartphone 40 to transmit the
print data indicated by the storage destination URL through Wi-Fi
38, and receives the print data from the smartphone 40. The data is
received by the data receiving section 28. Since a plurality of
print data items may be included in the print information, the
multi-function printer determines whether or not the reception of
the last print data is ended (S50), and returns to step S46 and
continues the process in a case where there is the remaining print
data item.
[0052] In step S46, in a case where the storage destination of the
print data is not the smartphone 40, the multi-function printer
determines whether or not the storage destination of the print data
is the cloud storage 70 (S52). In a case where the print data is
not stored in the cloud storage 70, since the multi-function
printer 20 is not able to cope with in the current example, the
process is ended. Meanwhile, in a case where the print data is
stored in the cloud storage 70, the multi-function printer inquires
of the cloud storage 70 about the print data through the Internet
60 based on the obtainment information (S54). In a case where the
print data is present, the multi-function printer receives the
print data from the cloud storage 70 (S56).
[0053] After the multi-function printer 20 obtains the print data,
the printing section 30 performs the printing according to the
print setting information (S58). The multi-function printer 20 may
present the print fee to the user before the printing is started,
and may perform a process of requesting payment. The multi-function
printer 20 may start the printing after the user presses a print
start button on an operation screen of the multi-function printer
20.
[0054] The multi-function printer 20 activates the Wi-Fi in step
S44, but does not perform the communication using the Wi-Fi in a
case where the multi-function printer determines that the print
data is not stored in the smartphone 40 in step S46. Accordingly,
the multi-function printer may not activate the Wi-Fi in step S44,
and may activate the Wi-Fi after the multi-function printer
determines that the print data is stored in the smartphone 40 in
step S46.
[0055] Now, the overall image according to the exemplary embodiment
will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram for
describing a flow from when the print data is selected to when the
print data is printed.
[0056] In the lower part on the left side of FIG. 6, a case where a
user 80a operates the smartphone 40 in home 82 is illustrated. The
smartphone 40 is generally connected to the Internet 60 through
Wi-Fi 58, and is able to easily access to the cloud storage 70.
Thus, the data entity managed by the smartphone 40 may be stored in
the cloud storage 70.
[0057] In a case where the user 80a wants to print the data managed
by the smartphone 40, the user activates the print application,
selects the print data, and performs the print setting for the
print data (S1). In the illustrated example, it is assumed that a
file 84 of which data entity is stored in the cloud storage 70 is
set as the print data. In this case, the user 80a is not generally
conscious of the storage destination of the file 84. In a case
where the print data is set, the print application does not
download the file 84 to the smartphone 40. Many data items are
stored in the cloud storage 70, and thus, it is possible to reduce
the storage capacity of the smartphone 40. The print application
according to the present exemplary embodiment is designed to
proceed with the printing while maintaining a file storage
destination.
[0058] Thereafter, a user 80b who goes to a convenience store 85
activates the print application again on the smartphone 40. The
user displays the QR code indicating the print information related
to the previously selected print data on the screen (S2). The user
presents the QR code to the QR code reader of the multi-function
printer 20 installed in the convenience store, and thus, the print
information is transmitted to the multi-function printer 20.
[0059] The multi-function printer 20 recognizes that the print data
is stored in the cloud storage 70 connected to the Internet 60
while referring to the obtainment information included in the print
information, and requests the cloud storage to transmit the print
data (S3). The cloud storage 70 transmits the print data according
to the request (S4). Accordingly, the multi-function printer 20 may
receive the print data (S5).
[0060] In a case where the print data is stored in the smartphone
40, the multi-function printer 20 requests the smartphone 40 to
transmit the print data through the Wi-Fi 38 (S3'). The smartphone
40 transmits the print data to the multi-function printer 20
through the Wi-Fi 38 (S4'), and the multi-function printer 20
receives the print data (S5').
[0061] After the reception of the print data, the multi-function
printer 20 prepares printing based on the print setting
information, presents a printing fee to a touch panel display 88,
and prompts the user 80b to pay the printing fee. In the example of
FIG. 6, the user presses a button of "pay with coins" or "pay with
electronic money", and pays the printing fee. Ultimately, in a case
where the user 80b presses a button of "print start" (S6), the
print data is printed (S7).
3. Modification Examples
[0062] The exemplary embodiment may be variously modified within
the scope of the present invention. For example, it has been
described that in a case where the print data is stored in the
smartphone 40, the multi-function printer requests the smartphone
40 to transmit the print data and receives the print data. However,
it can be seen that the smartphone 40 needs to transmit the print
data by referring to the print information even though the
smartphone does not receive the transmission request from the
multi-function printer 20. In a case where the print data is stored
in the smartphone 40, the multi-function printer 20 may not request
the smartphone 40 to transmit the print data. In this case, the
smartphone 40 may voluntarily transmit the print data to the
multi-function printer 20 after the smartphone is connected to the
Wi-Fi 38.
[0063] In the aforementioned description, it is assumed that the
multi-function printer 20 may access to the cloud storage 70
without performing special authentication and may receive the print
data. However, in order to increase the security of the data
managed by the smartphone 40, an example in which the cloud storage
70 performs authentication for the access so as not to be accessed
by a third party is considered. Thus, the smartphone 40 adds
authentication information such as a password necessary for the
authentication to the obtainment information. Accordingly, the
smartphone 40 transmits the password to the cloud storage 70, and
may obtain access authority.
[0064] For example, it is considered that the cloud storage 70 more
strictly restricts the access like a case where the cloud storage
does not permit a device different from the smartphone 40 to
access. In this case, the multi-function printer 20 is not able to
obtain the print data from the cloud storage 70. Thus, in a case
where the multi-function printer 20 is not able to obtain the print
data from the cloud storage 70, the multi-function printer 20 may
instruct the smartphone 40 to transmit the print data from the
smartphone 40 to the multi-function printer 20 through the Wi-Fi
38. The smartphone 40 that receives the instruction obtains the
print data from the cloud storage 70, and transmits the obtained
print data to the multi-function printer 20. This mode is an
example of data obtainment using a data obtaining unit of the
mobile terminal device.
[0065] In a case where secret information such as a password is
obtained from the smartphone 40, the cloud storage 70 does not
perform the analysis of the password or performs a process of
promptly deleting the password after the password is used. Thus, it
is possible to restrain a situation such as a secret leakage. It is
also considered that reliability from the user is increased by
establishing and publishing a security policy.
[0066] It has been described that the smartphone 40 transmits and
receives the data to and from the cloud storage 70 or the
multi-function printer 20 by using the Wi-Fi. However, the
smartphone 40 may generally use a communication standard for mobile
devices, such as Long Term. Evolution (LTE) in addition to the
Wi-Fi. For example, the smartphone may transmit the print data to
the multi-function printer 20 by using wireless communication of
the communication standard such as LTE instead of the Wi-Fi. The
smartphone may transmit the print data to the multi-function
printer 20 by performing communication using a wireless
communication standard that assumes a short distance, such as
Bluetooth (registered trademark) as long as a practical
communication speed is able to be secured.
[0067] It has been described that the print information is
transmitted to the multi-function printer 20 from the smartphone 40
by using the QR code. However, the print information may be
transmitted through the wireless communication instead of
transmitting the image information such as the QR code.
Specifically, an example in which near-field communication (NFC) or
Bluetooth which is a wireless communication standard for short
distances is used is illustrated. Of course, the same communication
as the communication in the transmission of the print data, such as
Wi-Fi or LTE, may be performed.
4. Summarization of Disclosure Matters
[0068] The image forming apparatus according to the exemplary
embodiment includes an information obtaining unit, a data obtaining
unit, and a printing unit. The image forming apparatus is an
apparatus having a function of printing on a printing medium such
as a sheet based on the print data. The image forming apparatus may
further include a scanning unit, an FAX transmitting and receiving
unit, and a mail transmitting and receiving unit.
[0069] The information obtaining unit obtains storage destination
information of print data managed by a mobile terminal device from
the mobile terminal device. The mobile terminal device is a device
capable of being easily carried by a user. Examples of the mobile
terminal device include a smartphone, a tablet, a portable personal
computer (PC), and a multi-function mobile phone. The print data is
data to be printed. The data to be printed is generally used in a
format called a file. In the present specification, data and a file
are described as the substantially same meaning, and print data and
print file are also described as the substantially same meaning.
The information obtaining unit obtains storage destination
information indicating a storage destination in which the print
data is stored. For example, a description format that specifies a
storage destination a file name of the file, such as a Uniform
Resource Locator (URL) may be used as the storage destination
information. The storage destination information may be information
that specifies a storage destination by inquiring of the storage
destination or a server other than the storage destination and
using information stored in the inquiry destination.
[0070] The data obtaining unit obtains the print data from the
storage destination of the print data by using the storage
destination information. For example, the data obtaining unit
obtains the print data from the storage destination by requesting
the storage destination to transmit the print data by using the
storage destination information. Alternatively, the data obtaining
unit may ultimately obtain the print data from the storage
destination by requesting an appropriate server other than the
storage destination to transmit the print data by using the storage
destination information. In any case, the data obtaining unit does
not merely wait until the print data is received, and actively
obtains the print data by using the storage destination
information.
[0071] The printing unit prints the obtained print data. That is,
the printing unit prints on a printing medium such as a sheet based
on the print data. The communication methods used by the
information obtaining unit and the data obtaining unit are not
particularly limited. Various methods such as wireless
communication, optical communication, infrared communication, and
communication using sound waves may be used.
[0072] In the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary
embodiment, the print data includes data stored in a storage
destination connected to a network accessible by the mobile
terminal device, and the data obtaining unit is connected to the
network and obtains the print data from the storage destination in
a case where the print data is stored in the storage destination.
Examples of the network accessible by the mobile terminal device
include various networks such as an intranet provided by a
manufacturer of the mobile terminal device and an intranet provided
by a manufacturer of the image forming apparatus in addition to the
Internet.
[0073] In the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary
embodiment, the print data is data for which access is restricted,
the information obtaining unit obtains authentication information
necessary for accessing to the print data, and the data obtaining
unit obtains the print data from the storage destination by using
the authentication information. Examples of the authentication
information necessary for accessing the print data include a
password, a token, and identification information of the device.
For example, in a case where the authentication fails and the print
data is not able to be obtained from the storage destination, a
process of stopping the printing, transmitting the transmission
request of the print data to the mobile terminal device, or
requesting the mobile terminal device to transmit the
authentication information again or additional authentication
information may be performed.
[0074] The image forming apparatus according to the exemplary
embodiment further includes a unit for obtaining the print data
from the mobile terminal device in a case where the data obtaining
unit is not able to obtain the print data from the storage
destination. For example, in a case where the print data is not
able to be obtained from the storage destination, the data
obtaining unit may obtain the print data by using the unit by
transmitting the print data to the mobile terminal device. Examples
in which the print data is not able to be obtained from the storage
destination include a case where the access to the storage
destination is restricted and the authentication fails. As another
example, a case where the image forming apparatus is not able to
obtain the data in a case where a failure occurs in the network
from the image forming apparatus to the storage destination is
considered.
[0075] In the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary
embodiment, the data obtaining unit is connected to the network by
using a communication method different from a communication method
used in the obtainment of the storage destination information using
the information obtaining unit, and obtains the print data. For
example, in a case where the storage destination information is
obtained by using a non-contact communication method
(communications performed in a non-contact manner using wireless,
visible light, infrared light, or sound wave), the information
obtaining unit obtains the print data in a non-contact
communication method (for example, wireless communication using a
different communication standard) different from the aforementioned
non-contact communication method or a communication method (wired
communication using an optical fiber or an electrical cable) in a
contact manner.
[0076] In the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary
embodiment, the print data includes data stored in the mobile
terminal device, and the data obtaining unit is connected to the
mobile terminal device by using a communication method different
from a communication method used in a case where the storage
destination is connected to the network, and obtains the print data
from the mobile terminal device, in a case where the print data is
stored in the mobile terminal device. That is, the print data from
the mobile terminal device is obtained by using a communication
method different from the communication method in a case where the
storage destination is connected to the network. In this case, in
the mobile terminal device, the establishment of the communication
with the image forming apparatus by using the communication method
or the transmission of the print data to the image forming
apparatus by using the communication method may be permitted by the
user, or may be automatically performed.
[0077] In the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary
embodiment, the information obtaining unit obtains print setting
information with which a print mode of the print data is set, and
the printing unit prints the print data according to the print
setting information. The print setting information is information
indicating a method of printing on a print medium. Specific
examples of the print setting information include a setting for a
sheet size, a setting for a sheet direction, a setting for the
number of sheets to be printed, a setting for the number of pages
to be printed on one sheet, a setting for color or monochrome
printing, a setting for single-sided printing or double-sided
printing, and a setting for fastening using a stapler. For example,
the information obtaining unit obtains the setting information in a
timing when the storage destination information is obtained
(before, after, or during the storage destination information is
obtained).
[0078] An image forming program according to an exemplary
embodiment causes an image forming apparatus to function as an
information obtaining unit, a data obtaining unit, and a printing
unit. The image forming program is typically realized by
controlling hardware of the image forming apparatus through
cooperation between one or a plurality of application programs
installed on the image forming apparatus and basic software such as
an operating system. However, the image forming program may be
realized by a program in another form.
[0079] The image forming apparatus according to the exemplary
embodiment may be an apparatus to be used by a large number of
unspecified users. The image forming apparatus is typically
installed in facilities (stores such as a convenience store,
private facilities such as an event venue and a hotel lobby, and
public facilities) visited by a large number of unspecified users,
and is set so as to be used by users other than the specific user.
The usage fee may be charged or free. In the image forming
apparatus to be used by a large number of unspecified users, an
operating procedure of the user needs to be simplified such that
the printing is able to be smoothly performed by even a user who is
unfamiliar with an operation. The image forming apparatus according
to the exemplary embodiment may be an apparatus to be used by a
large number of specified users or a small number of specified
users. Examples of the image forming apparatus include an image
forming apparatus which is installed in an organization such as a
company or a public organization and is used by members of such an
organization.
[0080] A mobile terminal device according to an exemplary
embodiment includes a selection unit and a transmission unit. The
selection unit receives a user operation, and selects print data to
be printed. The transmission unit transmits storage destination
information of the selected print data to an image forming
apparatus. The selection unit receives a user operation, and
selects print data to be printed. For example, the print data may
be stored in a storage destination connected to a network, and may
be stored in the host device. The transmission unit transmits
storage destination information of the selected print data to an
image forming apparatus. A communication form in which the
transmission unit transmits is not particularly limited, and
various communication methods such as wireless communication,
optical communication, infrared communication, and communication
using sound waves may be adopted.
[0081] A mobile terminal program according to an exemplary
embodiment causes a mobile terminal device to function as a
selection unit and a transmission unit. The mobile terminal program
is typically realized by controlling hardware of the mobile
terminal device through cooperation between an application program
downloaded and installed on the mobile terminal device and basic
software such as an operating system or another program installed
in advance on the mobile terminal device. However, the image
forming program may be realized by a program in another form.
[0082] The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of
the present invention has been provided for the purposes of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed.
Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to
practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and
described in order to best explain the principles of the invention
and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in
the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and
with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be
defined by the following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *
References